Timo Laine Symphonic Slam

Timo Laine is the creative force behind Symphonic Slam, a progressive rock band known for its innovative use of the polyphonic guitar synthesizer. Born in Oulu, Finland in 1948, Timo moved to California with his family at the age of six. His musical journey began in the late 1960s with bands like Train and Zebra, where he gained experience as a lead guitarist and songwriter. In the early 1970s, Timo experimented with new sounds, eventually forming Symphonic Slam. The band's self-titled debut album, released on A&M Records in 1976, became a sought-after piece of progressive rock due to Timo's unique approach, which combined guitar synthesizers with orchestral elements to create a large soundscape with minimal players.

Symphonic Slam's music reflects Timo's diverse influences, ranging from guitarists like Wes Montgomery and Eric Clapton to bands such as Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa. The band's name captures the essence of blending symphonic elements with a rock edge. Despite its legendary status, Symphonic Slam remains somewhat enigmatic, with Timo Laine being the constant driving force throughout its history. He has been involved in every aspect of the band, from songwriting and production to artwork creation. Over the years, Timo has continued to work on new material, maintaining the band's distinctive sound and vision.